Opening doors

We were holding our second clinic at the mosque. This mosque was heavily damaged in the tsunami, and lots of people were killed in the area. Fundamentalist Muslims have a strong presence and have made it clear that we are not welcome. The community, however, was very happy to have us. We started our clinic about 3 p.m. Around 3:30, a religious leader came over and talked to the man who had given us permission to be there. Although we couldn't hear him, his hand gestures said "shut it down." The man hesitated because we had been offering quality care. One of our group went over and asked what was happening. The imam left rather than talk to him. This allowed us to continue.

At 4 p.m. when the Muslim call to prayer sounded, we left the mosque. As we were leaving, a car arrived with two more bearded imams. One of them saw one of our physicians and asked for his heart to be checked. The physician carefully checked him, was clearly concerned, and offered caring and attentive service. This opened the door for one of our group to begin to talk. These two men were from Malaysia and Singapore. They had a nice friendly conversation with several of our team. These two men were also the "big guests" of the fundamentalists. This put the fundamentalists in an awkward position. They could not throw out people who had been welcomed by their important guests.

We returned to the mosque at 5 p.m. to finish the clinic. Every patient seen by the physicians was pulled aside and interviewed at length by the fundamentalists. Obviously, the fundamentalists were trying to determine if we were coercing people to convert. Instead they found that we were offering warm and compassionate service. As we were leaving, the lead imam came over and was as warm and friendly as their culture permits. He emphasized how much they wanted us to return. Through touch, words and gestures, he was extending offers of friendship.

Our medical personnel opened a door that we thought could not be opened. By offering loving and compassionate service, they created an opportunity that other personnel would never have been given. When medical personnel wonder, "Did we do anything more than treat wounds and flu?" the answer is "yes." They allow windows that permit us to stay, which gives more opportunities to show that Christians are not like they have been taught. Our actions among them create impressions of who Christians really are. Then, when the gospel is shared, there is credibility.

Pray that:

The hearts of the fundamentalists will be touched by God. Pray that they would hunger for the Truth.

God’s people who walk among them would be vessels used by God , sharing His love in word and deed.

The windows and doors will remain open for His people to serve in this place long closed to the gospel.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.